[The diagnosis of hepatic metastases is a frequent problem in clinical practice (author's transl)]

In 131 verified cases with known primitive tumor, the diagnostic accuracy of the echotomography resulted in 84% (sensitivity 89%; specificity 76%). Technical insufficiency of the echotomography did not define the diagnosis in 8% of the patients. The evidence of solid lesions in both lobes of the liver and the involvement of the inferior vena cava are the criteria for inoperability and selection for angiographic test. The diagnostic value of the echotomography was low in cases where the primitive tumour was not identified because of the non specificity of the echo-structure of the solid intrahepatic lesions. Angiography is essential when a liver resection is planed.